• What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases. COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China. Other coronaviruses include Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

• What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, COVID-19 is the abbreviation  for “coronavirus disease 2019”, an official name given by the World Health Organization to the disease caused by this newly identified virus.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Some people infected with the Virus have no symptoms. But there is when the virus cause symptoms, common ones include:

1. Fever or chills
2. Muscle or  Body ache
3. Dry cough
4. Fatigue
5. Headache
6. Sore throat
7. Congestion or running nose
8. Shortness of breath which indicate pneumonia
9. Loss of test or smell
10. Nausea or vomiting
11. Diarrhea

COVID 19 can be severe and sometime cause’s death.

What to do if you think you are experiencing COVID 19 symptoms

• Seek medical help if needed

A person should contact a doctor by phone to report their symptoms and seek further advice. They should not show up at a doctor’s office without prior approval from the facility. People should call the emergency services if their symptoms are severe or include breathing difficulties

• Self-isolate

Self-isolating means staying at home and staying away from other family members to avoid spreading the virus. Ideally, people who have symptoms of COVID-19 should remain in one room and use a separate bathroom to other members of the household.

• Practice self-care

At present, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, the following at-home self-care measures can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications:

1. Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
2. Eating a healthful diet to help the body fight the infection
3. Getting plenty of rest to aid recovery
4. Taking medications to ease a cough or any other symptoms
5. Using acetaminophen to lower a fever and alleviate aches and pains

• Wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouth (Mask)

1. You should wear a face mask over your nose and mouth if you must be around other people.
2. You don’t need to wear a face mask if you are alone.
3. A face mask should not be placed on young children under age 2 years, anyone who has trouble breathing.

• Practice proper hand hygiene

Practicing proper hand hygiene is a very effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is because it reduces a person’s risk of contracting the infection if they touch their face and reduces the likelihood of transferring the virus to other people or surfaces that people may touch.

To wash the hands properly, use water and soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Some key times to wash the hands include:

• When they are visibly dirty
• Before and after food preparation
• Before eating
• After using the bathroom
• After handling garbage
• Before touching the face
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose
• Before and after taking care of someone who is sick

When soap and water are unavailable, a person should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

How does COVID 19 spread?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• From person to person

The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. This can happen between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) by touching, hugging, kissing etc.

• Through respiratory drops

Through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes may land in the mouths or nose of people who are nearby , or possibly be inhaled into lungs

• Through contact with the infected surface or object

Coronavirus can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects. For example a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.

How to prevent the spread of COVID 19?

• Wash your Hands properly

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands as this increases the risk of transferring the virus to other people or surfaces.

• Wear Mask

1. Cover your mouth and nose with a face mask when around others. Wear a face mask if going out or traveling. If face masks are unavailable, use a scarf or a clean cloth instead
2. Face mask should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious.

Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker

• Social Distancing

Put distance between yourself and other people by avoiding close contact. Stay home as much as possible. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. A face mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes

1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
2. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use sanitizer

If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Self-quarantine (isolate)

Self-isolating means staying at home and staying away from other family members to avoid spreading the virus. Ideally, people who have symptoms of COVID -19 should remain in one room and use a separate bathroom to other members of the household. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

How to take care of a COVID 19 patient

• Protect yourself

COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets, created when someone talks, coughs or sneezes. So, if you are taking care of a sick person these are the don’ts

1. The caregiver, when possible, should not be someone who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
2. If possible, use a separate bedroom and bathroom. If possible, have the person who is sick stay in their own “sick room” or area and away from others. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from the sick person.
3. Shared space: If you have to share space, make sure the room has good air flow.
   • Open the window and turn on a fan (if possible) to increase air circulation.
   • Improving ventilation helps remove respiratory droplets from the air.
4. Avoid having visitors. Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.

• Watch for serious warning signs

When taking care of a sick person keep on watching the warning signs such as:

1. Persistent coughing
2. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
3. Trouble breathing
4. Inability to wake or stay awake